The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket is Edgar Allan Poe's only complete novel, published in 1838. Set in 1827, it is an exciting blend of science, romance, adventure, realism, and supernaturalism. It is based on the actual experiences of J.N. Reynolds, whose book Poe consulted. The narrative comprises the details of a mutiny on board the American brig Grampus on her way to the South Seas. The young hero, Pym, aided by Augustus, the captain's son, becomes a stowaway. Poe incorporates it all: butchery, shipwreck, famine, massacre, and deliverance. But it is Pym's friendship and friction with Augustus that form the major part of the book's aesthetic design. Download and start listening now!

BK_JIMC_000279

Listener Opinions

Darrenbob | 2/12/2014

" Poe's only novel-length story. For good reason. "

Erika Forth | 2/8/2014

" I love Poe. But his only novel is not up to his standards. It was ridiculous, boring, and seemed pointless. "

Tonia | 2/4/2014

" Just finished reading this odd and fantastic novel. Not quite sure what to make of it. Parts of it were difficult to get through and others brilliant. The end, I have no words. Best moments were the living burials, strangers in a foreign/'Other' place, cannibalism, desperation, entombed in the bowels of the ship, existing in spaces with no light versus spaces with all light and the effects on the mind. I will be interested to hear how others perceived this in class tonight. "

Anne | 1/3/2014

" Actually, it was good until the two left guys were picked up from their bad luck to a better situation - but from there on, it was all about nautics and in the end it was so incoherent somehow - plus there was no end, though this is no problem at all as the last myth has really been interesting. The problem was only, that it was without any reason, it seems. "

Lynn | 12/29/2013

" I read this about 20 years ago as part if a course curriculum. Though I iove Poe's other works I've read, I am extremely grateful only one novel authored by him was ever published! I believe this has been as torturous a read as I've EVER completed. There was no enjoyment for me, but I did learn that no matter the author, truly loving some or even the majority of his/her published works doesn't preclude the possibility of discovering at least one work that you won't like at all! I would 't recommend this... "

Ellen | 12/28/2013

" This might be the worst novel by a legendary author ever published. Seriously, it's terrible. There is no continuity throughout the novel. Characters appear and disappear at will. It switches between first person narrative and diary style travelogue a couple times, with no explanation. However, the concept of whiteness and blackness, as well as the racist overtones throughout this novel are fascinating and don't really come out in any of Poe's short stories. Totally worth the read, even if it's only to understand the commentary in "Pym." "

Namrirru | 12/27/2013

" Eww, eww, eww! "

James MacIntyre | 11/27/2013

" The interesting symbolic ending didn't make up for how fucking boring this was at times "

Laywa | 11/6/2013

" I thought it would be as good as the tales, but it wasn't. "

Robin | 9/15/2013

" A very strange tale: really three quite separate stories with different writing styles in the same naarative. Fascinating, but sadly racist too. "

Andrei | 2/24/2013

" Pirrrate Arrr! "

Barbara | 12/22/2012

" Not a book I expected E.A.P. to write. A bit dull and reminiscent of MOby Dick here and there, but also some very interesting writing. Unfortunately that is in the middle. The end is frustrating to no end and I can't imagine why it is left this way. "

Simon | 2/14/2012

" It tells some cool adventures thought up by Poe around 1838 "

Thomas | 11/26/2011

" The book that came before Moby Dick and definitely influenced Melville. This is a strange journey to take but Poe is such an interesting writer besides the usual goth/horror stuff (hey - the guy invented the detective genre, right?). Probably not for everyone but a great read if you take the time. "

Juliet | 5/17/2011

" This is one of my favorite "go-to" books... I LOVE IT!!! I just pick a story... I have yet to read all the stories... It may take me a bit - small doses of dreariness, I suppose. :)
"

Stephanie | 5/14/2011

" This is the ultimate book for Edgar Allan Poe fans!
"

Jeremy | 4/28/2011

" A Must read for every person who loves to read.
"

Jessica | 4/6/2011

" enjoyable as always, but don't read them all back to back!
"

Carol | 3/27/2011

" Had read this is high school and hated it. Then had to tutor an 8th grader on the very same book and loved it.
"

Dawn | 3/13/2011

" I loved Poe's shorter stories, however, his longer ones were a very taxing read - So much unnecessary waffle.
"

Other Titles by Edgar Allan Poe:

About the Author

Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1848) transformed the American literary landscape with his innovations in the short story genre and his haunting lyrical poetry, and he is credited with inventing American gothic horror and detective fiction. He was first published in 1827 and then began a career as a magazine writer and editor and a sharp literary critic. In 1845 the publication of his most famous poem, “The Raven,” brought him national fame.

[ShoppingCartItemsAddedOnMerge] audiobook(s) were left in your cart from a previous visit, and saved to your account for your convenience. You may view or remove these audiobooks on the shopping cart page.